Court allows lawyer to seek costs in FOIA dispute

LANSING (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court says an attorney who requested video surveillance from two businesses through the city of Dearborn in a misdemeanor case can seek compensation for related costs. The Detroit News reports James Amberg requested copies under the Freedom of Information Act of footage that Dearborn police gathered. The city initially refused, saying it couldn't be subject to FOIA since the recordings weren't public records. After Amberg sued, the city turned over the recordings and asked to end the case. The Michigan Supreme Court justices wrote in an opinion filed Tuesday that "the fact that the documents were created by private entities does not insulate them from FOIA." The case now returns to Wayne County Circuit Court, which can consider whether Amberg is entitled to costs and fees. Published: Thu, Dec 18, 2014